DEMARCHE ON U.S. WTO EXPORT CREDITS PROPOSAL

UNCLAS AMMAN 001594

SIPDIS

DEPT PASS USTR FOR HAFEMEISTER
USDA FOR GRUEFF AND SCANDURRA
CAIRO FOR AGCOUNS ACHAUDHRY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EAGR JO WTO
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON U.S. WTO EXPORT CREDITS PROPOSAL

REF: SECSTATE 15027; AMMAN 00666

EMBASSY AMMAN RECEIVED FOLLOWING LETTER ADDRESSED TO
AMBASSADOR EDWARD GNEHM FROM DR. SALAH EDDIN AL-BASHIR,
MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE QUOTE: I REFER TO YOUR
LETTER JANUARY 21, 2003 REGARDING THE LATEST PROPOSAL
CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL EXPORT CREDITS SUBMITTED BY THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DURING THE
MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE WITHIN THE
FRAMEWORK OF THE WTO.

IN THIS CONTEXT, WE BELIEVE EXPORT CREDIT PROGRAMS HAVE
BEEN USEFUL TO MANY DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND JORDAN IS ONE
OF THEM. HOWEVER, JORDAN NOW IS NOT MAKING FULL ADVANTAGE
OF SUCH PROGRAMS DUE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN COMMODITY PRICES.
IN THIS REGARD, I SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE
YOUR GOVERNMENT ON THE WELL BALANCED PROPOSAL REGARDING
THIS MATTER. UNQUOTE. GNEHM